Monasterio de Monsalud, Cistercian monastery in Córcoles, Spain
Monasterio de Monsalud is a monastery with a church divided into three naves and featuring a triple-apse design at its eastern end. The building combines Romanesque and Gothic elements throughout its structure, particularly visible in the chapter house and its stone details.
The monastery was founded in 1141 under King Alfonso VII of Castile and received official confirmation of its lands and the village of Córcoles in 1169. These royal grants established the foundation for the monastery to grow into an important religious center.
The monastery became a pilgrimage destination because of a statue of the Virgin of Monsalud housed here, which pilgrims believed could heal ailments and offer spiritual comfort. People traveled from distant places to pray before the image and seek its blessing.
Visitors should make advance reservations to tour the monastery, whether with a guided group or independently. It is advisable to contact ahead to confirm available times and access conditions before planning a visit.
A fire in 1437 destroyed much of the monastery's archive, erasing many details about its early years. This loss means that understanding the first centuries of this institution relies heavily on fragmentary sources.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
